Heinrich Klaasen bludgeoned the ball to all corners in a blistering knock of 174 to lead South Africa to a comprehensive 164-run victory over Australia and level the five-match one-day series to 2-2 in Pretoria on Friday.
Klassen hit 13 sixes in an awe-inspiring display of power hitting to help South Africa to a total of 416-5 – their second highest against Australia – after they had been put into bat.
Australia replied with 252 in 34.5 overs and the disappointment of defeat will be multiplied by a hand injury to opener Travis Head that could rule him out of next month’s World Cup.
Head retired hurt after being struck on the hand by a rising delivery from George Coetzee in the ninth over, walking off the arena in obvious distress.
Earlier, In a cricketing spectacle, Klaasen’s extraordinary batting performance left spectators in awe as South Africa amassed a formidable 416-5 in the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against Australia. This astonishing feat unfolded on Friday, showcasing Klaasen’s prowess as he hammered an incredible 174 runs from just 83 balls.
Batting at No. 5, Klaasen’s innings was a display of sheer power and precision, featuring an impressive tally of 13 fours and an equal number of sixes. This remarkable knock now ranks as the fourth-highest individual ODI score by a South African batsman.
With the stage set for a thrilling showdown, the fifth ODI is scheduled for Sunday, where both teams will vie for supremacy in this closely contested series. This series assumes added significance as it serves as a precursor to the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India next month, providing a glimpse of the teams’ form and strategies ahead of the prestigious tournament.
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